■ Cuisine: A Feast for the Senses Gifu’s culinary offerings are a testament to its abundance in nature and deep-rooted traditions. The region is famous for Hida Beef, a premium wagyu beef prized for its rich marbling and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Whether enjoyed as steak, sushi, or in hot pot, Hida Beef is a delectable must-try delicacy. Local dishes such as hoba miso - miso paste is grilled on a magnolia leaf, tsukemono steak - preserved vegetables cooked in eggs over a hotplate, and pressed sushi showcase the region’s diverse and unique flavors. Freshwater fish like ayu (sweetfish), often grilled over charcoal, are another delicious regional specialty. To complement these dishes, Gifu’s sake, brewed with some of Japan’s purest soft water, offers a smooth and palatable taste. Visitors can enjoy sake tastings and tours at local breweries to learn the ways of traditional sake brewing in Gifu. ■食の魅力 岐阜県の食文化は、地元の自然と調和した味わい深い料理が特徴です。 飛騨牛 日本本を代表するブランド牛のひとつである飛騨牛は、柔らかくジューシーな肉質で知られています。ステーキはもちろん、すき焼き、しゃぶしゃぶ、さらには飛騨牛握りという寿司としても楽しめます。 郷土料理 朴葉味噌（ほおばみそ）は、味噌を朴葉の上で焼き、香ばしい風味を楽しむ料理です。また、押し寿司や五平餅といった素朴な味わいの料理もおすすめです。 地酒 岐阜県の清らかな軟水で仕込まれた地酒は上品な味わいが特徴です。酒蔵巡りや試飲体験を通じて、日本酒の奥深さを体験してください。

■ Traditional Crafts: A Legacy of Mastery Gifu Prefecture is renowned for its exquisite traditional crafts, which reflect the skill and dedication of its local artisans. Among these crafts is Mino Washi, a special type of Japanese paper with a history spanning over 1,300 years. Recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, Mino Washi workshops offer visitors the chance to create their own paper art the traditional way. Hida woodwork is another highlight with a legacy of over 1,300 years, through which elegant furniture and household items that blend functionality with timeless design are produced. There is also Seki cutlery, made with time-honored skills honed from 700 years ago in Seki City, also known as the "City of Blades,"a hub for sword and knife making. Visitors can tour workshops and even craft their own blades, gaining insight into the meticulous techniques passed down through generations.